All kittens lose their milk teeth, just like children lose their baby teeth. This is perfectly normal for kittens who are around 3 to 4 months old. Their teeth fall out to give their 30 adult teeth room to grow in. However, if an adult cat’s tooth fell out, it means that something is wrong. Tooth loss in cats can be linked to several causes, including tooth resorption, old age, and poor diet. Here’s what you need to know.
Do I Need to Rush to the Vet?
Tooth loss can be scary, but it does not usually require emergency veterinarian care. While you may not need to rush out in the middle of the night, we recommend calling for an appointment within a week of the loss. This is to address the larger problems that tooth loss often points to. Below, we have broken down the different reasons for your cat’s tooth loss and whether or not you need to find an emergency veterinarian.
Causes of Tooth Loss in Adult Cats
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Tooth Resorption
This is one of the most common dental problems in cats, and one of the main causes of tooth loss. Your cat’s body will start to break down and absorb the tooth from the inside. It begins in the root of the tooth and continues until the support structure is gone and the tooth falls out. This process can be very painful for cats, and while not an emergency, it can point to infections that need to be treated.
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Periodontal Disease
When bacteria and sticky plaque coat your cat’s teeth and stay there, they can cause periodontal disease. It inflames the gums, making them sore, prone to infections, and weakening the supporting structures. Periodontal disease will only get worse without intervention. Brushing your cat’s teeth and bringing them in for dental cleanings can help keep it at bay.
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Nutritional Deficiencies
If your cat is not eating a balanced diet, is refusing to eat, or their food is not appropriate for their age or weight, they could be suffering from a nutritional deficiency. This can lead to tooth loss along with other problems. If left untreated for long enough, nutritional deficiencies can start to affect essential bodily functions. Talk to your veterinarian about the right diet for your cat, and they can help you ensure your cat’s food is not missing any essential vitamins or minerals.
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Trauma or Injury
An injury to your cat’s mouth or biting on hard objects can make a tooth come loose, fall out, or crack apart. If your cat’s tooth falls out after an injury, call your vet right away. Small injuries can be treated at home with a pet first aid kit, but injuries like falls or head trauma mean you should take your cat to a vet.
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Old Age
Natural wear and tear from a life well-lived can weaken the teeth and cause decay. Older cats are also more prone to issues like tooth reabsorption and periodontal disease. The older our beloved cats get, the more they need veterinary care to keep them healthy.
How to Prevent Tooth Loss in Cats
1: Brush your cat’s teeth.
Brushing your cat’s teeth might sound difficult, but doing so can help them maintain good oral health. It removes plaque, which prevents decay and lowers the possibility of infections or teeth falling out. Luckily, we have already made you a step-by-step guide on how to brush your cat’s teeth.
2: Check their eating habits.
Refusal to eat can point to oral infections or hidden tooth pain. Prolonged refusal to eat can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Both of these issues can lead to tooth loss and cause unnecessary suffering for your cat.
3: Visit your veterinarian once a year for a dental cleaning.
Dental checkups will help you keep your cat’s teeth clean, catch oral decay before it becomes painful, and keep them healthy.
Dental Care for Cats in Gilbert, Arizona
Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we understand that you might not want to spend your time off at the veterinarian’s office. That is why we offer preventive dental care that can be scheduled along with your cat’s annual checkups.
Dental and preventive care are only the beginning of what we can do here at East Valley Animal Hospital. We also offer rehabilitation, annual check-ups, vaccinations, and many other services to help every pet who walks through our doors live a long and healthy life.
If you have concerns about your cat’s dental health, don’t wait! Contact us today for an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/30/25). Image by Steve Smith on unsplash.